Abstract

The possibility of developing high performance concrete (HPC) using quarry dust as part of fine I aggregates has been investigated in this study. Silica fume-quarry dust (SFQD) and silica fume (SF) concretes were prepared with normal portland cement (NPC) concrete. Slump, slump-flow and V-funnel flow were measured to indicate the workability of the fresh composite. SFQD concrete fulfilled the workability requirement of HPC. The hardened test specimens were subjected to dry air and water curing. The aim was to identify the most efficient curing method to impart higher compressive strength, elasticity and durability. Tests for compressive strength, dynamic modulus of elasticity and initial surface absorption (ISA) were conducted on the hardened specimens. Test results reveal that water cured SFQD concrete has provided adequate compressive strength and elasticity at the age of 28 and 91 days, which should be maintained in HPC. It was also observed that water cured SFQD concrete has provided lower ISA-values, although not the lowest, compared to SF concrete. These values are quite low compared to the maximum absorption of low absorptive concrete. Hence, this study reveals that HPC can be produced by the use of quarry dust as part of fine aggregates.